Never Alone: Foxtales (PlayStation 4) Review

In the previously discussed expansion, Never Alone: Foxtales, Nuna and her fox friend set out for another short story narrative set against a backdrop of platforming and exploration. This adventure is one of rescue, near loss, and unexpected foes. Nuna and the Artic Fox accidentally set into motion events that cause hazard upon another living creature, a small mouse. As the mouse is swept away with the currents of their neighbouring river, Nuna recalls the elder's lesson that all life is valuable and must not be mistreated. Inspired by the words of those her senior, Nuna knows that she must attempt to prevent any further harm to befall this creature. As Nuna boards her canoe to follow and attempt to save the poor creature, she and the fox realize they have been swept away by the current. Their fates, and that of the mouse, are now intertwined.

This beautiful narrative, inspired by the traditional communal stories of the Alaskan Natives, is the centre of Foxtales, carrying the player through the adventure that unfolds over the short hour-or-two experience. The narration spoken over the gameplay provides not only a sense of purpose, but a reminder that this game is doing something special. Hearing a story told in any traditional native language is an experience unlike any other. The chance to live it while incorporating something familiar is, at moments, chill-inducing.

While Never Alone and its follow up, Foxtales, tackle subject matter that is deeply profound and thought provoking, it is a shame that, on a "video game" level, the platforming and gameplay offer a somewhat sparse play experience. There's something dry about this game that just doesn't elicit the emotional response one would hope for, or rather, that one needs in order to feel the weight of the subject matter. The fading traditions of a dying culture are no joke. That's not to say that Upper One Games took it as such, but the necessity for interesting and compelling gameplay in order to grip the audience and let them feel the weight of the moment was sadly overlooked.

The unfortunate lack of compelling gameplay moments, while critical in any typical video game, does not completely distract from what this game is doing. One does not simply play Never Alone and Foxtales without the notion that they are important. There is a meaning behind this thing that demands your attention, or that at least says, "If you ignore me, you're a crap human being." It's the culture of an entire people, slowly being lost to time. Upper One Games took it upon themselves to say, "We see what's happening, it's not okay, and we're going to restore some justice here in the best way we know how."